Casandra Timofte
Originally from Romania, Casandra studied at IE University in Madrid, where she became part of the Foundation Fellows community and distinguished herself academically, graduating 2nd in her Business Administration cohort and being named best student at graduation.
During her time at IE, she broadened her global perspective through experiences such as an exchange in Singapore and a visit to New York, an experience that ultimately inspired her to pursue her master’s degree at IENYC.
“New York always felt like the place I was meant to be.”
Why study Global Business and Sustainability in New York?
For Casandra, the decision to join the program was not initially driven by a clear career path, but by curiosity and openness to exploration.
“I joined without knowing much about the field or whether I could build a career in it. Now, I’m the biggest fan of the degree.”
What followed was a transformation in perspective. Through close interaction with professors who combined academic rigor with real-world experience, she discovered that impact and professional success are not mutually exclusive.
“They showed me that you can build a meaningful and successful career while doing good, for people and for the planet.”
Equally impactful was the classroom environment itself. Surrounded by driven, intellectually curious peers, Casandra found herself constantly challenged and inspired.
“The conversations we had shaped me in ways I’m still discovering. I carry them with me, and I suspect I always will.”
From classroom to career: applying IENYC in investment banking
Today, Casandra works as an investment banking analyst at Fredericks Michael & Co., where she focuses on mid-market M&A deals.
The transition from IENYC to her current role felt natural. The program’s hands-on structure, centered on teamwork, real-world projects, and continuous feedback, closely mirrors the demands of her day-to-day work.
“You’re given a complex problem, you do the research, you present your thinking, and you refine it under scrutiny. That was the rhythm at IENYC, and it’s exactly how I work today.”
Working in a small, agile team has allowed her to gain early exposure to the full deal cycle, reinforcing one of the most valuable skills she developed during the program: the ability to navigate uncertainty.
“At IE, we were constantly pushed into unfamiliar territory and expected to deliver rigorous work. That gave me the confidence to tackle challenges I know nothing about and the discipline to perform under pressure.”
A new perspective on impact and success
One of the most lasting outcomes of Casandra’s experience at IENYC is a shift in how she defines success.
“At its core, the master’s gave me the conviction that you can be successful while also doing good. It sounds simple, but it’s rare”.
Learning from professors who had built careers at the intersection of business and impact made that belief tangible. Their firsthand experiences—building sustainability strategies within major organizations and advising on decisions with real human and environmental consequences—demonstrated that impact-driven careers are not just aspirational, but achievable.
“They weren’t theorists. They were practitioners. That made all the difference.”
Looking ahead: a career at the intersection of finance and impact
As to the future, Casandra aims to apply her analytical skills, financial expertise, and international experience to complex business challenges across investment banking, consulting, and strategy.
“When I think about where I want to be in ten or twenty years, it’s doing highly strategic, demanding work inside organizations that are genuinely trying to move the needle on something that matters.”
